Thomas Tuchel has claimed England have not received an explanation as to why defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match ban after receiving a red card against Mexico.
Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for an ankle-high challenge on Jesus Gallardo for Azteca early in the second half.
A dismissal of this nature would normally result in a one-match ban, but this was raised to a two-match ban as the challenge was deemed a ‘serious foul’.
Tuchel criticized the referee after the match, claiming “the referee is not good enough”. The ban also comes at a time when FIFA is under fire after US forward Folarin Balogun was banned for a year after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun later played in the 4–1 loss to Belgium.
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Harry Redknapp jokingly asked the Prime Minister to call FIFA after Jarell Quansah was suspended for two matches for a foul against Mexico last week.
There were some suggestions that Tuchel’s comments to officials may have been a factor in the decision to extend Quansah’s ban, but the German said no such reason had been given.
Asked whether his comments could have influenced the length of the ban, he said: “I don’t think so.” “We don’t have an explanation either.”
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Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly react to the news that team-mate Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match ban after receiving a red card in the World Cup match against Mexico.
Despite losing most of the second half, the Three Lions fought bravely in a hostile atmosphere at Azteca to advance to the quarterfinals. Tuchel believes spirit is key to overcoming a confident Norway side.
“I think we took a big step in the last game, but it was just one step,” he added.
“We are still hungry, we still have dreams, we still have big goals to play for and the next step is to win the quarter-finals.
“We leave this game behind. We take positivity and faith with us, but everything that matters is ahead of us.”
‘It’s not enough’ – Tuchel’s full quote on officials after Quansah red
speaking BBC Sports After the win against Mexico, Tuchel said, “It’s not enough. The referees are not enough. The referees are not enough.”
“The bottom line is this: Was this a clear and obvious mistake on the (Mexico) penalty? Of course not, but VAR is involved.
“They turn the situation around without even giving a foul. It’s not enough.”
He went on to add: “We gave everything and the decision was overturned in a very questionable way.
“But it’s not just about the big decisions, the little decisions, the consistency of the decisions. You’re just there, it’s almost like you’re in the ocean and in front of the court. You don’t know what’s going to happen. They’re just not on the level.
“Now we play at the highest level. We need top-level referees. There are only athletes out there. The game has changed tremendously and it’s still not good enough. It’s not good enough for the players and the game.”
Tuchel’s injuries tripled ahead of Norway match
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David Beckham joined the England squad for a training session ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
Tuchel may be without Quansah due to suspension but has received a timely boost after confirming that Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James are all available for selection for Miami.
Rice has been struggling with illness and has been away from his teammates since Monday’s round of 16 victory in Mexico. Guehi missed England’s training session in Kansas City on Thursday due to concerns about a hamstring problem.
However, both players took part in training in Miami on Friday ahead of Saturday’s clash with Norway in Miami.
James also took part in the session for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in the second match of the group stage against Ghana. However, manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that all three are available for selection on Saturday.
“We were all able to participate in training. This is the best news,” Tuchel told a press conference.
“Apart from the suspended player (Quansah), we have full options.”
Kane enjoying the Battle of Holland
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Erling Haaland is ahead of the World Cup match against England, where he will face off against his Premier League colleagues.
One of the key storylines going into the encounter with Norway will be which of the two goal machines from either side will make the biggest difference.
Erling Haaland has ignited his first World Cup and now has seven goals to his name, with England captain Harry Kane just behind on six. The Three Lions player, who is set to become England’s most capped outfielder on par with Wayne Rooney, is ready for the challenge.
“Erling was amazing,” Kane said. “Physically he is a machine, his finishing is top class and obviously his goalscoring record speaks for itself.
“Despite scoring the same number of goals, I consider myself a different player. I like to be more involved. I don’t think he is the player we compare ourselves to.”
“I have a lot of respect for him as a player and as a fellow professional. Obviously I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance in recent years speaks for itself.”
